The Classical Theory Of Criminal Activity - 856 Words

It is only appropriate to believe that the severity of penalties given to an individual whom committed a crime should be proportionate to the crime in which they engaged in, no more than what is necessary, but enough in order to deter the offender from participating in another crime. This approach is applied in such ways because it is believed that criminal activity is a rational choice, chosen because they perceive it to be in their best interest. â€Å"Criminals make a rational choice and choose to do criminal acts due to maximum pleasure and minimum pain† (Classical School of Criminology, 2012) Cesare Beccaria contributed to the classical theory greatly, and introduced several attributions to the justice system which advanced it immensely. â€Å"Views were consistent with Beccaria’s utilitarian beliefs that sought to maximize the public benefit by achieving the greatest amount of good for the most people†. (Newman, Freilich 133 1997; Newman Margongiu, 1997) T he Classical Theory has resulted in positive advancements in the justice system for various reasons. Firstly, it is â€Å"forward-looking utilitarian models designed to promote the public good† (Freilich, J., 2014, 138), also, it â€Å"embraces scientific principles to achieve their goals and seek to temper harsh punishments of their times† (Freilich, J., 2014, 138). These are beneficial for the justice system because communities independently choose the crime reduction strategy which they are comfortable with, and believe willShow MoreRelatedThe Classical School Of Thought889 Words   |  4 PagesAs early as the 18th century, theorists have hypothesized the reasons behind criminal behavior. Theorists during the Enlightenment Period dismissed the preconceived notions that deviant behavior was the result of supernatural causes and ushered in an era that highlighted criminality as a rational choice decided by a person’s own free will. The idea of rational choic e led to the development of the Classical school of thought, which sought to deter and prevent crime by making the fear of punishmentRead MoreCriminology Theories and Capital Crimes1182 Words   |  5 PagesCriminology Theories and Capital Crimes: As part of the distinct aspects of criminal justice policy, the different criminology theories have significant impacts on the criminal justice system. The different theories of crime are used to explain criminal justice policy and the criminal justice system. These theories were developed by different people in attempts to explain criminal justice. In addition, criminological theories assist is shaping the societys reaction to offense in relation to preventingRead MoreClassical, Biological And Psychological Theories901 Words   |  4 Pages Early classical, biological and psychological theories have helped shape the burgeoning world of criminology. Many of the ideas they held were unique, however, some key principles are still in use by there modern counterparts. Classical psychological theories, focused on two main concepts; personality and behaviorism. Personality theories helped improve cognitive sciences and behaviorism called attention to social learning with a focus on behavioral conditioning. For example, Ivan Pavlov, a prominentRead MoreThe Various Theories of Criminology 1276 Words   |  5 Pagesstudy of crime and criminal behavior including their forms, causes, legal aspects, and control. There are many aspects in the field of criminology. These aspects include the areas of research involved, the criminology schools of thought, theoretical developments and the people involved in creating and developing the theories. What role do criminologists play in the field of criminology? The term criminologist is used to describe any individual who is employed in the criminal justice field regardlessRead MoreThe Theory Of The Classical Theory1395 Words   |  6 Pagesan English philosopher, developed the classical theory in the 18th century at a time in which punishment was extreme and severe (Di TellaDubra, 2008). Bentham and Beccaria investigated the causes of delinquency and criminal behavior and scientifically explained the deviance. They never came up with a new criminology theory, but rather focused on a manner in which they could make the punishment for committing a crime rational. Based on the founders of the theory, a hierarchy of punishments should beRead MoreContemporary Utilization Of Classical Perspective1575 Words   |  7 PagesContemporary Utilization of the Classical Perspective James C. Boudreau Charleston Southern University Abstract This paper will explain the contemporary utilization of the classical perspective of criminology. Deterrence theory, rational choice theory, routine activities theory, and lifestyle theory will be explained and defined thoroughly detailing each theory and provide a historical background, theorist(s) involved, prior literature, scientific methods, results, personal opinions, and policyRead MoreIdentify And Describe The Three Elements Of Deterrence Case Study743 Words   |  3 Pages1. Explain how pre-classical theories influenced the development of classical theories. In the pre-classical era it was believed that criminal activity happened due to religious factors or supernatural causes. For example the most common supernatural belief was that the full moon when out caused criminal activity. People believed that crime was related to higher powers. (Tibbetts, p.27-29, 2015). 2. Identify and describe the three elements of deterrence. Which of the three do you think has theRead MoreClassical Theory of Criminology Essay1523 Words   |  7 Pagescommits a crime, one can come up with ways to prevent and control crime or rehabilitate criminals. There exist a large number of criminology theories, some link crime to an individual or person; they believe a person weighs the cons and pros and makes a conscious decision on whether to commit or not commit a felony. Others see the society as having a duty to make sure that its members do not engage in criminal acts by providing a secure and safe living place. Some claim that some people have hiddenRead MoreInsight Into Criminal Behavior Essay1735 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Æ' Juvenile exposure to criminal behavior increases the chances that those individuals will also engage in criminal behavior. Research gives us insight to prevent or reduce criminality and rehabilitate violators of the law that engage in criminal behavior. What causes people to commit crimes? Interdisciplinary criminology gives us a better understanding from several fields of study of a better understanding of crime. Influential factors that influence criminal behaviors are psychological, sociologicalRead MoreThe Classical School Of Criminology935 Words   |  4 Pagesmajor principles of the Classical School of Criminology? The major principles in the Classical School of Criminology are that humans are rational and that our behavior comes from free will, and our human behavior is derived from pain and pleasure. To deter criminal’s punishment is necessary, which may set an example for others. As well as crime prevention should be implemented with quick regulated punishment for vi olations of the law. What were some forerunners of classical thought in criminology